Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 360

“All done? Was Mr. Redland easy to work with?” Amelia asked.

Robert grinned. “Surprisingly easy. He’s loaded and doesn’t care about money—if he wants something, he just goes for it.”

Amelia rolled her eyes. “Well, of course he does. What’s the point of hesitating? Wait around long enough and some jerk with no scruples will swoop in and snatch it away.”

Before they could chat more, a voice cut in from the side, dry and laced with sarcasm.

Robert didn’t seem surprised to run into Daniel at the expo. He just smiled. “After all that drinking last night, you still look alright.”

Daniel was never one for friendly small talk. He scanned Robert up and down with deliberate slowness. “You’re the one looking rough. Feeling a bit… under the weather?”

Here we go again, thought Amelia, her expression unreadable.

Robert just brushed it off and changed the subject. “We were about to grab some lunch. Want to join us?”

The memory of last night was still fresh in Amelia’s mind. Before Daniel could answer, she jumped in quickly, “Actually, Ruby just called me. It’s been ages since I’ve had dinner with her—I promised I’d eat at home tonight.”

If they wanted to eat together, fine. Amelia had no interest in getting dragged along and intended to keep her life as drama-free as possible.

“Am I invited by Mr. Rubin?” Daniel put on his most agreeable expression, as if he might say yes, but then pretended to think it over. With an exaggerated sigh, he finally said, “I’m afraid I can’t. My wife and daughter have barely seen me lately—I promised I’d eat at home tonight too.”

Robert: “…”

As if Amelia would ever let him through the front door.

Of course, Daniel never got that dinner with his “wife.” Amelia wouldn’t have let him anywhere near her house.

For the next few days of the tech expo, Daniel showed up like clockwork, wandering around near Amelia, always managing to find the perfect vantage point to “rest” and keep an eye on her. Even the director started to notice.

Amelia couldn’t for the life of her figure out what he was after. Surely his office was more comfortable than the expo’s lounge?

The five-day event wrapped up with resounding success. The Redland deal went through, and both the military and research institute were in high spirits. They reserved a small ballroom for a celebratory dinner—nothing too grand, just a chance to toast the big contract and see if the Silkwood companies could strike up more business together.

Amelia wore a smoky blue gown, simple but elegant, with just a pair of pearl earrings and a matching necklace—understated, but she drew every eye in the room.

Robert was especially formal tonight: deep blue suit with a subtle pattern, crisp white shirt, matching tie, and a white pocket square—he looked every bit the British gentleman.

When the two of them stood together, the director could barely contain his pride. This was the face of their institute—everyone in the ballroom stole a glance.

Daniel noticed them the moment he walked in.

Amelia was talking with Robert when she sensed another presence at her side. Before she could react, a hand slipped around her waist and gently guided her aside.